Backpad apparatus for use in conjunction with a golf bag

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a cushioned backpad which can be particularly positioned by the golfer between the golfer&#39;s back and a golf bag. The backpad and its individualized positioning maximizes the golfer&#39;s particular needs with regard to comfort and load stress allowing a golf bag to be carried over the distance of a typical golf course without causing undue fatigue or soreness to the golfer&#39;s shoulder, spine and hips.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to sport and utility bags, and inparticular to a cushion apparatus for use with a golf bag which reducesthe stress placed on a user's shoulders and back.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of golf is not only one of the world's oldest presentlypracticed sports, but is also one of the most popular sports both on arecreational and professional level. In recent years, an increasingnumber of men and women have taken up the sport as a recreationalactivity. Moreover, the popularity of golf tournaments and competitionshas also increased. With this increase in popularity of tile sport,there has also been an increase in interest in equipment and techniquesfor improving ones ability and enjoyment of the sport.

While much effort has been spent on the development of golf clubs andballs, many have failed to realize the impact that the golf bag has onones ability and enjoyment of the sport. During a typical 18 hole golfgame, a player may carry a bag full of golf clubs and other equipmentfor thousands of yards. It is no surprise that a common complaint amonggolfers relates to back, shoulder and neck pain caused by carrying heavybags of golf equipment.

Moreover, the process of carrying such a bag a hundred yards or more,moments before lining up to swing at a golf ball, can severely affectthe golfer's swing. Typical golf bags are designed with one or twoshoulder straps such that the bag can be slung over one or both of thegolfer's shoulders as the golfer walks from one ball position to thenext. Such straps tend to concentrate the weight of the bag on eitherone or both shoulders. With a single shoulder strap, the weight of thegolf bag is concentrated on one shoulder and offset relative to thegolfer's spine, causing the golfer to shift his or her weight to theopposite side in order to balance the load.

Even with two shoulder straps, the weight of the golf bag on bothshoulders tends to cause posture problems (e.g., hunching over of theshoulders) and discomfort. Furthermore, where most of the weight of thebag and equipment is concentrated on one or two shoulder straps, thestraps tend to pinch nerves and possibly obstruct the circulation ofblood in the shoulder area on which the strap is supported. This canresult in numbness and loss of power and control in the golfers arms aswell as fatigue to shoulder and arm muscles. These adverse affects canoffset the golfer's swing posture, strain muscles and cause severe spineand hip discomfort. Posture being a very important component to onesgolf swing form and golf ability, it is readily apparent that variousprior golf bag designs have been a major contributor to many poor golfgames and golf injuries.

A prior golf bag having a strap design to support the bag in a centeredrelationship relative to the user's bag is described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,038,984, 5,042,703 and 5,042,704, all to Izzo. This bag has twoshoulder straps and a back pad, to allow the golfer to carry the bag'sweight on both shoulders and to rest the bag, almost horizontally acrossthe golfer's lower back. However, like the above discussed prior bagdesigns, the primary portion of the weight of the bag is carried on thegolfer's shoulders. Moreover, the position of the bag when being carriedtends to allow clubs or other equipment to fall out of the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,702 teaches a belt member having a velcro fasteningsystem which mates with a corresponding piece of velcro attached to agolf bag. The belt member is intended to be worn at all times duringplay. One of the drawbacks which exist with this belt member is that itis designed to be worn throughout the golfing activity, which couldadversely affect the golfer's normal swing or putting stance duringplay.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,473 teaches a golf bag with lumbar support and awaistband which is designed to attach to the lower portion of the golfbag. The golf bag is carried vertically along the golfer's back centeredbetween the golfer's shoulders. A lumbar pad is provided to distributethe weight of the bag to the user's lower back. One drawback of thissystem is that the bag is vertically oriented, which inhibits thegolfer's ability to easily remove or insert golf clubs into the golfbag, or access other items stored in the golf bag. A golfer may also beinhibited from easily bending forward to, for example, pick up a golfball, drink from a drinking fountain, or tie shoelaces.

What is needed is an apparatus and system for carrying a golf bag whichreduces most of the load on the golfer's shoulders by transferring theweight of the load to the back, hips and legs, while maintaining anorientation of the golf bag which permits easy access to the itemsstored therein. The apparatus and system should also permit the golferto easily remove the bag and its associated components so that thegolfer can enjoy a natural golf swing unencumbered by the golf bagcarrying apparatus.

It is with the shortcomings of the existing art in mind that thesignificant improvements and advancements of present invention weredeveloped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned above there is a need in the industry for an apparatus inuse with a golf bag which minimizes user discomfort and maximizes theuser's golf posture. Therefore, it is an object of a preferredembodiment of the present invention to provide an attachable, detachablebackpad which addresses the above-discussed problems associated withgolf bags. The backpad can be positioned between the back and golf bagby the user which maximizes his or her particular needs with regard tocomfort and load stress allowing a golf bag to be carried over thedistance of a typical golf course without causing undue fatigue orsoreness to the user's shoulder, spine and hips.

The preferred object of the present invention provides for a backpadapparatus comprising a containment element with a pouch, a cushionelement positioned within the pouch of the containment element and anattachment device for securing the backpad apparatus to a golf bag.Optionally, the backpad can also be comprised of a skirt without apouch, is contiguous with the containment element and consists of thesame material as the containment element. Another object of the presentinvention provides for the containment element to consist of anabsorbant material, such as a towel.

The pouch of the present invention is appropriately sized for insertionof a cushion(s) of particular dimensions. In addition, an object of thepresent invention provides for a closing device between the containmentelement and the pouch for sealing and unsealing the pouch where thecushion element is positioned. The closing device can be comprised ofvelcro, a zipper or other means of closure.

In a further object or embodiment of the invention the containmentelement can further be comprised of storage pockets on adjacent sides ofthe pouch for storage of golf associated accessories, such as golfballs, golf tees, golf gloves, etc.

In still a further object of the invention, the attachment deviceconsists of a first grommet interlocked with a second grommet through ahole punched through the containment element, or alternatively of afemale snap for fixedly securing to a male snap which is attached to agolf bag.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the cushion element iscomprised of foam. The type of foam can be selected from the groupconsisting of polystyrene, polyurethane and polyethylene, as well asbubble films, rubberized fiber, cellulose and airbags.

As such, the present invention meets the need in the industry for anapparatus in use with a golf bag which minimizes user discomfort andmaximizes the user's golf posture—a cushioned backpad which can beparticularly positioned by the golfer between the golfer's back and agolf bag. The backpad and its individualized positioning maximizes thegolfer's particular needs with regard to comfort and load stressallowing a golf bag to be carried over the distance of a typical golfcourse without causing undue fatigue or soreness to the golfer'sshoulder, spine and hips.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagramatic representation of a preferred embodiment of thebackpad invention, illustrating the attachment of the backpad apparatusto a golf bag.

FIG. 2 is a diagramatic representation of various elements of thebackpad apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagramatic representation of a horizontal perspective ofthe backpad apparatus containing the cushion element.

FIG. 4 is a further diagramatic representation of various elements ofthe backpad apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagramatic representation of the elements of the backpadapparatus as the apparatus would be assembled.

FIG. 6 is a diagramatic representation of the various elements of thebackpad apparatus, illustrating the placement of the cushion element aspart of the backpad apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagramatic representation of a preferred embodiment of thebackpad apparatus, illustrating the backpad in use by a golfer carryinga golf bag with golf clubs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 4 through6 thereof, a novel backpad apparatus embodying the principles andconcepts of the present invention and generally designated by thereference numeral 2 will be described.

FIG. 1 illustrates the backpad apparatus (2) attached to a golf bag (6)as a free standing unit. The cushion element (4) is represented by thedotted lines within the containment element (8). As illustrated infurther detail in FIG. 2, the backpad apparatus can be comprised of acontainment element (11) which itself is comprised of a pouch (8), anupper lip (12), a closing device (18), an attachment device (16), anoptional contiguous skirt (10) and optional storage pockets (14).

As viewed from a horizontal perspective in FIG. 3, the cushion element(4) is positioned within the pouch and enclosed with a closure device(18) and sealed at the bottom of the pouch (8) by a seam (20) that isfixedly secured to the containment element. Optionally, the seam can becomprised of a closing mechanism similar to the closure device (18) atthe top of the containment element, allowing opening and closure. Alsoillustrated horizontally are the upper lip (12) of the containmentelement and the optional contiguous skirt (10).

As more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, the backpadapparatus can be comprised of a containment element which itself can becomprised of an upper lip (12), an attachment device (16), storagepockets (14) adjacent to the pouch [which can be separate and sealable(22) at positions along their length or open as one unsealed verticalpocket from their openings starting at the upper lip (12) of thecontainment element (11)], and a cushion element (4).

Containment Element

The containment element provides for the enclosure of the cushionelement. It can be comprised of different compartments such as the upperlip which contains the attachment device, the pouch which contains thecushion element and optional storage pockets. The storage pockets (14)can be at least one in number (24) on either side of the pouch (8) or,alternatively, there can be more than one which are separated andaccessible along the length of the storage pockets. The accessibility tonumerous storage pockets on either side of the pouch can be provided byseparation of opening and closing mechanisms (22) similar to the closuredevice (18) for the pouch (8). Further, the storage pockets areseparated from the pouch by sealings (20, 30 a, 30,b, 32 a, and 32 b).Sealings can be provided by stitching or other means known in the art.The storage pockets are for the placement and keeping of golfaccessories such as, golf tees, golf balls and golf gloves. Optionally,there can be a skirt (10) which is contiguous with the containmentelement. The preferred embodiment of the skirt is comprised of the samematerial as the containment element, for example, terry cloth towel. Theskirt can be used for the same purposes as a golf towel for cleaninggolf balls, golf clubs, etc.. The containment element and optional skirtcan be comprised of other materials such as leather, suede, softplastics and like materials.

The containment element also is comprised of a closure device (18 a,b)which is preferably positioned at the upper lip. The closure device canbe comprised of any means by which the cushion element can be placed andremoved from the pouch. Preferred embodiments of the closure deviceinclude velcro affixed between the containment element and the inneruppermost portion of the pouch. Another preferred embodiment of theclosure device includes a zipper between the containment element and theinner uppermost portion of the pouch. Other means of a closure deviceare known in the art.

Cushion Element

The cushion element (4) is the means which maximizes the golfer'sparticular needs with regard to comfort and load stress allowing a golfbag to be carried over the distance of a typical golf course withoutcausing undue fatigue or soreness to the golfer's shoulder, spine andhips. It can be comprised of any material which provides a softeningexperience by the golfer when positioned between the golf bag and thegolfer. Such materials can consist of various types of foam,particularly from materials as polystyrene, polyurethane andpolyethylene. Alternatively, the cushion element can consist of bubblefilms, rubberized fiber, cellulose or inflatable devices such asairbags.

Attachment Device

The attachment device (16) is a means by which the backpad apparatus canbe attached and detached from a golf bag. Alternatively, the backpad canbe permanently affixed to a golf bag. A preferred embodiment of anattachment device includes a first grommet interlocked with a secondgrommet through a hole punched through the containment element (see FIG.5, number 16). Another embodiment of an attachment device includes afemale snap for fixedly securing to a male snap which is attached to agolf bag. Other means of attaching and detaching the backpad apparatusare known in the art.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

The teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,634,041; 6,408,462; 6,129,452;6,115,872; 5,927,489; 5,729,846; 5,724,698; 5,587,219; 5,467,487 and3,698,947 are herein all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. A backpad apparatus comprising a containment element with a pouch, acushion element positioned within the pouch of the containment elementand an attachment device for securing the backpad apparatus to a golfbag.
 2. A backpad apparatus of claim 1 wherein the containment elementconsists of an absorbant material.
 3. A backpad apparatus of claim 1wherein the absorbant material is a towel.
 4. A backpad appartus ofclaim 1 further comprising of a skirt without a pouch which iscontiguous with the containment element and consisting of the samematerial as the containment element.
 5. A backpad apparatus of claim 1wherein the pouch is appropriately sized for insertion of a cushion ofparticular dimensions.
 6. A backpad apparatus of claim 1 wherein thecontainment element and pouch further comprise a closing device betweenthem for sealing and unsealing the pouch.
 7. A backpad apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein the closing device consists of velcro affixed betweenthe containment element and the inner uppermost portion of the pouch. 8.A backpad apparatus of claim 6 wherein the closing device is a zipperbetween the containment element and the inner uppermost portion of thepouch for opening and closure of the pouch.
 9. A backpad apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the containment element further comprises storagepockets on adjacent sides of the pouch for storage of golf associatedaccessories.
 10. A backpad apparatus of claim 9 wherein the storagepockets can receive golf accessories consisting of the group of golfballs, golf tees and golf gloves.
 11. A backpad apparatus of claim 1wherein the attachment device consists of a first grommet interlockedwith a second grommet through a hole punched through the containmentelement.
 12. A backpad apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachmentdevice consists of a female snap for fixedly securing to a male snapwhich is attached to a golf bag.
 13. A backpad apparatus of claim 1wherein the cushion element is comprised of foam.
 14. A backpadapparatus of claim 13 wherein the type of foam is selected from thegroup consisting of polystyrene, polyurethane and polyethylene.
 15. Abackpad apparatus of claim 13 wherein the cushion element is selectedfrom the group consisting of bubble films, rubberized fiber, celluloseand airbags.
 16. A backpad having a top edge, a bottom edge, and sideedges, at least one pouch extending between the side edges at the bottomedge of the backpad; the pouch having an outer face and an inner face,the pouch outer face and inner face being connected to each other alonga pouch top edge, the inner face being between the outer face and a faceof the backpad and separate from the backpad.
 16. The backpad of claim16 wherein there are at least two or more pockets adjacent to the pouch,the pockets being separated by lines of stitching which extend from thebottom edge of the backpad to the pocket top edge.
 17. The backpad ofclaim 16 including a cushion is received in the pouch.
 18. A method ofusing the backpad of claims 1-17 wherein the cushion can positioned bythe user.